Lesson 2 - Throwing at Moving Targets
Skill Mastery & Sportsmanship
•Year 6
•Dodgeball
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How can we improve our accuracy when throwing at targets that are constantly moving?
Learning Objectives
- To develop accurate throwing techniques when targeting moving opponents
- To understand and apply tactical awareness in throwing situations
- To demonstrate fair play and honest self-assessment in competitive activities
Key Outcomes
- Students will accurately throw at moving targets using appropriate technique
- Students will analyse their performance and suggest specific improvements
- Students will apply tactical throwing strategies in game situations
Equipment & Resources Required
Ensure balls are properly inflated and safe for throwing
Alternative: Foam balls, soft playground balls
Use to mark boundaries and distances clearly
Alternative: Marker spots, chalk lines
For measuring 7m throwing distances accurately
Alternative: Marked court lines, pacing
Key Vocabulary
Continuing the throwing motion after releasing the ball, with hand pointing towards target
Predicting where a moving target will be and throwing ahead of their current position
The curved path the ball takes through the air from thrower to target
A deceptive movement or fake throw to trick the opponent
Quick movements to avoid being hit by a thrown ball
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic throwing and catching skills from previous year groups
- Understanding of personal space and movement patterns
- Experience with target throwing at stationary objects
Current Skills
- Throwing accurately at moving targets
- Following through with throwing action
- Anticipating target movement patterns
- Self-assessment and reflection on performance
Next Steps
- Advanced dodgeball game strategies
- Team coordination and communication in invasion games
- Leadership roles in competitive activities
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Follow-through with hand pointing at target is essential for accuracy
- When throwing at moving targets, aim slightly ahead of where they're going
- Aiming for feet makes balls harder to catch and increases success rate
- Feinting can effectively wrong-foot opponents and create opportunities
- Honest acknowledgement of hits is crucial for fair and enjoyable games
- Proper body positioning and footwork enhance throwing power and accuracy
- Tactical awareness develops through experience and reflection
Common Misconceptions
- Misconception: 'Throwing harder always means more accurate' - Correction: Control and technique matter more than power
- Misconception: 'You should aim where the target is now' - Correction: Need to lead moving targets by throwing ahead
- Misconception: 'All throwing techniques work equally well' - Correction: Different situations require different approaches
- Misconception: 'Follow-through doesn't matter after ball release' - Correction: Follow-through guides accuracy and builds muscle memory
- Misconception: 'Catching a throw counts as a hit' - Correction: Only direct hits without catches count in dodgeball
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Short activity bursts with clear focus, immediate feedback, regular movement breaks, clear boundaries
dyspraxia
- Larger equipment, simplified movement patterns, extra practice time, step-by-step instruction breakdown
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available, predictable activity transitions
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and cones, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system for spatial awareness
hearing impairment
- Clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for game rules, written instruction cards available
physical disability
- Seated throwing options, modified distances, larger/softer balls, adapted game rules to include all
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Measuring 7m distances accurately, calculating throwing angles and trajectories, keeping score and statistics
Science
Understanding forces and motion in throwing, projectile motion and gravity effects, biomechanics of throwing action
Geography
Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding angles and directions, mapping movement patterns
PSHE
Fair play and honesty, conflict resolution, teamwork and cooperation, respect for rules and others
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move constantly around teaching area to observe all groups, position at corners for maximum visibility during game activities
Observation Focus
Watch for follow-through technique, anticipation skills, fair play, and safety compliance
Intervention Points
Step in immediately for unsafe throwing, provide technique reminders during practice, mediate any disputes about hits
Demonstration Notes
Use exaggerated movements to show follow-through, demonstrate lead throwing with moving targets, model excellent sporting behaviour
Verbal Cues
- •'Follow through and point at your target!'
- •'Throw where they're going, not where they are!'
- •'Aim for the feet to make catching difficult!'
- •'Well done for honest acknowledgement of that hit!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 20m clear space for multiple throwing groups and game activities
Surface Check
Dry, non-slip surface free from obstacles and hazards
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check dodgeballs are properly inflated and in good condition
- •Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
- •Verify adequate number of balls to prevent fighting over equipment
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball strikes to head or face from hard throws
- •Collisions between students during movement activities
- •Slips and falls during quick directional changes
- •Overexertion from intense throwing activities
Risk Mitigation
- •Emphasise aiming for feet and body, never head
- •Maintain adequate spacing between activity groups
- •Use appropriate ball types for age group
- •Regular rotation to prevent fatigue
- •Clear boundaries and throwing lanes
- •Immediate stoppage for any unsafe behaviour
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for clear view of all throwing activities
- •Monitor intensity levels and adjust as needed
- •Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion
- •Ensure fair play and honest acknowledgement of hits
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately, assess any injury, provide appropriate first aid, complete accident report if necessary